Handel's Messiah?

Pinnock/DG Originals
(Arleen Auger, Anne Sofie von Otter, Michael Chance, Howard Crook, and John Tomlinson)

Christie/Harmonia Mundi
(Les Arts Florissants Orchestra & Chorus, Barbara Schlick, Sandrine Piau, Andreas Scholl etc)

I own about 10 versions and have heard about 10 more in my system, these two are my top choices. These are newer historically informed versions with clarified textures and smaller orchestra forces, yet still deliver the goods in large choral tracks.

The Christie has oustanding soloists especially Piau and Scholl

Allow me to second the Shaw/Atlanta recording.

I think I have a tel-arc at home. Want to trades for something? I never listen to it?
Emery
emfoods@yahoo.com

I love the period instrument performances of this work and agree with the recommendations for McGegan, Pinnock and Christie, above.

If you're looking for a non-period instrument performance, with full orchestra and chorus, then I highly recommend the Colin Davis / London Symphony Orchestra performance on Philips.
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McGegan is very good, Also nice Hogwood with period instruments.